Lefto Guest DJ Set on KCRW

Belgian DJ Lefto travels the world (currently making stops in LA, SF and South Korea) DJing, producing and throwing some great parties. He has put out music and compilations on Blue Note and Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label. He’s in town playing The Do Over, Funkmosphere and a few other parties so I asked him to drop into the studio and play some tunes. Check out his Guest DJ mix here and read an interview I did with him below.

–AV

You & Simbad just compiled selections for Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label entitled “Worldwide Family Vol. 1”. What goes into selecting these songs for such a legendary tastemaker?

With Gilles it’s all about trust I think. If he gives you carte blanche to compile a CD on his label, he probably knows you and your taste quite good. Simbad and myself know what Gilles appreciates musically and that makes it so much easier. But honestly, at the end of the day, it has been made to give the people from our worldwide entourage extra exposure and Brownswood is good for that.

You have traveled across the world by playing music that you love and that moves you. When you select records, what do you take into consideration when you sample records before a gig?
First, I like to know what the concept of the night is, very important. Second, as usual, soulful is a must and third, make sure I give the ladies the necessary attention because when women dance, boys dance.

Is there any artist that we should be on the look for in 2011 that you suggest we be on the look for?

ODD FUTURE

You are a radio DJ in Brussels and a club DJ across the globe. Is there a difference

between the two environments for you when you jump on the turntables?
I’d say the only difference is the tempo. On radio you can easily play a downtempo song while it seems impossible in the club.